Don’t Be Bitter

We just got back from Mississippi. The trip was great, even though I came down with a minor cold with aches and stuffy nose about mid-week. No big deal, though, I was feeling normal again in a couple of days.

As I’ve had time to decompress this evening and while driving home, my mind has wandered in and out of many thoughts spurred by conversations or events from the past week. Several things stick out, but one keeps bubbling back to the surface: I never want to be bitter about anything. A root of bitterness has clearly established a strong hold in the lives of people I know in Mississippi. Obviously, I won’t say who it was, but I will describe it’s effects. What is its effects?

• Very obviously unhappy.
• Unable or unwilling to maintain a pleasant demeanor.
• Rarely smiles.
• Can’t be happy for anyone.
• Laughs laboriously (as opposed to laughing easily).

These are just physical manifestations in the countenance of a bitter person. The spiritual manifestations would require a much more in depth article than I intend to write in these waning hours of Sunday evening. The end for people who strive to find happiness in everything except Jesus Christ will be disappointment which leads to bitterness. There are countless ways to find disappointment, but only one way to find true and lasting happiness – Jesus.

Don't Be Bitter

We just got back from Mississippi. The trip was great, even though I came down with a minor cold with aches and stuffy nose about mid-week. No big deal, though, I was feeling normal again in a couple of days.

As I’ve had time to decompress this evening and while driving home, my mind has wandered in and out of many thoughts spurred by conversations or events from the past week. Several things stick out, but one keeps bubbling back to the surface: I never want to be bitter about anything. A root of bitterness has clearly established a strong hold in the lives of people I know in Mississippi. Obviously, I won’t say who it was, but I will describe it’s effects. What is its effects?

• Very obviously unhappy.
• Unable or unwilling to maintain a pleasant demeanor.
• Rarely smiles.
• Can’t be happy for anyone.
• Laughs laboriously (as opposed to laughing easily).

These are just physical manifestations in the countenance of a bitter person. The spiritual manifestations would require a much more in depth article than I intend to write in these waning hours of Sunday evening. The end for people who strive to find happiness in everything except Jesus Christ will be disappointment which leads to bitterness. There are countless ways to find disappointment, but only one way to find true and lasting happiness – Jesus.

Adult Discipleship Update

I hope this message finds everyone well. We have had some challenging weeks since September 9 in our adult small groups. John Piper has charged us with a tall task. Finding our deepest satisfaction in God himself; not in His blessings, not in His gifts but in Him alone. The clarion call of The Blazing Center study has been, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” It has taught us that the unadulterated pursuit of our joy, happiness, satisfaction in God should be the pursuit of our life and should affect us at every level of emotion, in every relationship, and in every decision.

This has left some of us feeling a bit frustrated because we have come to the stark realization that we aren’t there. That’s alright. You’re not alone. Not even John Piper is there. That’s why it is a pursuit. It’s something we are following after, not necessarily something we always possess. Our complete possession of this joy will only be fulfilled when we are transformed completely into the likeness of Christ that glorious day when we stand before him at last. So don’t be discouraged. Be encouraged that you desire to possess that joy. Be encouraged that you know you are pursuing ultimate satisfaction in Jesus Christ. And most definitely glory in those moments when you gain a bit more of the joy that is promised.

Just one announcement. In November my class will be starting a home group that will meet once a month. The dates and times are forthcoming, but there will be childcare provided. The home group is not geared to Bible study, but rather for accountability and fellowship. If you are a young couple, with or without children, and are interested, please be sure to speak with me this Sunday. I want to encourage you that if you are interested in starting a home accountability group (H.A.G. – what a horrible acronym) please let me know so we may help you get it off the ground.

Until next time . . . I’ll be thinking of a better name than H.A.G.

Shane